Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about an ancient Hindu worship practice that's rarely discussed nowadays. This isn't just a form of worship, but a type of guided meditation – with a unique twist. Instead of external guidance, you become your own guide on this sacred journey.
I'll be sharing my personal experiences, detailing how this profound practice impacted my body and mind. This ancient method is called Manasik Puja. It's considered extremely sacred, and its most beautiful aspect is that it has no rigid rules; you create your own.
What is Manasik Puja, and How Did I Practice It?
In traditional worship, we bathe deities with water and various liquids, offer flowers, light incense, present Naivedya (food offerings), and adorn them with clothes. In Manasik Puja, all these actions take place too, but entirely within your mind, within your imagination.
Let me walk you through how I used to practice it, so you can build your own method and begin your journey.
* Choosing the Right Time: I would wake up at 4 AM. I believe the hours between 4 AM and 6 AM, or alternatively, late at night, are most conducive for this practice. During these times, the process becomes incredibly potent.
* Preparation: After bathing and getting dressed in clean clothes, I would sit at my designated worship space (in Hindu homes, we often have a specific area for worship).
* The Power of Imagination: Then, I would close my eyes and visualize a sacred space where I wished to enthrone my chosen deity (Ishta-devata). Once that space was clear in my mind, I would invite my deity to be present there.
* Invoking the Throne: Imagine a magnificent throne and invite your beloved deity to sit upon it. Initially, you might not see them clearly; perhaps just a radiant light will appear. But even if there's no visual, just a feeling of presence, know that the divine is there.
What to Offer Your Deity?
Now, offer them whatever your heart desires within this mental space.
* You can bring water from the cosmos, pure water from another planet, or sacred water from a holy river to bathe them.
* Next, offer them garments in colors of your choosing.
* You can perform a Panchopachara Puja (five offerings), which typically includes ringing a bell, offering flowers, showing incense, lighting a lamp, and presenting Naivedya (food). Or, according to your devotion, you can perform a Shodashopachara Puja (sixteen offerings).
You can imagine any form of offering you wish. Envision your deity partaking of the food, and feel free to touch their feet and hands in your mind. Remember, they are the Divine, and we exist within this universe that is ultimately within them. Any act performed with love towards them is considered true worship. Therefore, there's no need to adhere to physical rules or customs. All you need to give is pure love to the Divine.
You can offer them wild fruits, make a garland of grass to adorn them, or present a garland of the most exquisite flowers. It entirely depends on your devotion and what you feel is the best you can offer.
My Experiences and Important Considerations:
This is a meditation technique that intensely utilizes visualization. It demands a significant amount of mental energy, but in return, it rapidly cultivates inner peace. It's highly probable that you'll experience a divine presence in your physical life. Why wouldn't you? If you're consistently connecting with the Divine in this way, the Law of Attraction comes into play, and a portion of their divine energy descends into your mental space, allowing you to receive their blessings and feel their presence.
Please note: I emphasize again that this puja will require a lot of mental energy. When you emerge from this meditation/worship, you'll likely feel fatigued. I usually became so tired after this practice that I would need to sleep for an hour or two. This will vary depending on your experience and current mental state. I practiced this for about six months, and for various reasons, I've since stopped.
Take care of your mind: After this practice, you'll need to pay special attention to nourishing your mind. To boost its energy, you can boil milk with small or large cardamom and drink it, as this is believed to enhance mental faculties. Practice pranayama (breathing exercises), as these also strengthen mental powers.
Crucial Warning: To delve deep into spiritual practices, you'll need a healthy body and a healthy mind. Furthermore, your imagination should only ever conjure the gentlest form of your deity. You absolutely must not imagine any fierce or wrathful forms, as this practice can be so potent that it could lead to mental instability.
* If this practice cultivates love and peace within you, then you are on the right path.
* However, if this practice gives rise to anger, hatred, or ego within you, then know that you are on the wrong path, and immediately cease the practice.
I would strongly advise that if you are a devotee of Radha-Krishna, this practice will be immensely beneficial for you. Please do not attempt this practice with fierce deities like Lord Shiva, Kali, Pratyangira, or Hanuman. I strongly recommend that you focus solely on Krishna for this practice. It is particularly suited for Krishna devotion.
For any guidance, feel free to ask in the comments.
If you begin to perceive a divine presence in your physical life, please do not share this with anyone. If you experience discomfort, and I repeat, if you experience discomfort, please discontinue this practice.
The best thing about this practice is that it has no rigid rules, no intervention from a third party or a guru, and it will accelerate your spiritual progress.
To enhance this further, you can practice trataka (gazing steadily) at a picture of Radha-Krishna with a lit lamp for 5 minutes, and then proceed with this puja.
Are you planning to try this ancient Manasik Puja practice? Share your thoughts and questions with us!
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